Flaky Test Identification via Server Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software testing systems face challenges with repeatability, as tests may intermittently fail and pass with the same code configuration, leading to unreliable failure indications and increased developer effort.
Innovation Solution
A system where test results are stored on a second server for analysis, allowing for identification and retrieval of 'flaky' tests that both pass and fail, enabling efficient processing and notification of developers about unstable tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test results are stored on the build server, then test data is readily accessible, but memory usage on the build server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the test data storage function from the build server and places it on a separate database server. This segmentation allows the build server to maintain ease of operation for test execution while the database server handles the storage burden, preventing memory usage increases on the build server.
Solution Approach 2:
A database server acts as an intermediary between the build server and test data. The build server can access test data through this intermediary without storing it locally, thus maintaining accessibility while avoiding increased memory usage on the build server.
2Reliability
If all test results are retained for analysis, then flaky tests can be identified, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the relevant test results that indicate flaky behavior from the complete test data set. By taking out only the necessary data for flaky test identification, the system maintains reliable detection accuracy while significantly reducing the time required to process and analyze test results.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing all test results equally, the system applies partial action by focusing only on test results that show inconsistent pass/fail patterns. This selective processing maintains the reliability of flaky test identification while minimizing data processing time.
3Reliability
If tests are repeated multiple times, then reliable failure patterns can be detected, but testing duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of test results to identify patterns indicating flaky tests. By conducting this analysis on stored test data rather than requiring additional live test executions, the system achieves reliable failure pattern detection without extending the actual testing duration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of re-executing tests to verify failure patterns, the system uses copies of previously executed test results stored in the database. This allows reliable pattern detection through analysis of existing test data without the need for additional test execution time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to testing. In one embodiment, software tests are performed on a first software server. Tests may be repeated a plurality of times to check for consistent failures or passes. Test results are sent to a second software server. The test results are stored in one or more databases on the second software server, where particular test results are associated with one or more fields specifying whether the test was passed and whether the test was failed. Tests that were both passed and failed may be deemed “flaky” tests. The second software server may generate a query to retrieve test results from the database that both passed and failed at least one test (flaky tests). Flaky tests may be quickly retrieved and processed.